312th Chapter of the Order of the Holy Cross

This week, the monastery hosted the 312th Chapter of the Order of the Holy Cross. Typically, there is one meeting of Chapter per year, but sometimes circumstances dictate that it meet more often. This was an annual Chapter.

Brothers from our three houses in Canada, South Africa and the US converged on the monastery for a week of parliamentary meetings, formation and companionship. There were 20 Life Professed Brothers in attendance, as well as a brother in initial vows, a novice and an alongsider. Everyone has voice in the Chapter but matters put to a vote are decided by the Life Professed.

We got a lot done. 

We reelected Brother Robert James Magliula as Superior for a three-year mandate. Brother Robert James has been an effective and pastoral Superior for six years (the duration of his first mandate).

We passed seven resolutions amending our Constitution and our Custumal to support the life of our monks as it is lived nowadays.

We had several constructive discussions, including: on the formation of our monks, on the present and future of our houses, on brothers called to the priesthood.

The intial session of Chapter. From top left, clockwise: Br. Randy getting a picture of Chapter; Bros. Robert James, Superior, and Br. Bernard, Secretary of Chapter; Bros. Robert Leo and Leonard preparing for the first session; Bros. David Bryan, Carl and Timothy catching up; Bros. Daniel and Reginald chatting; the view from the presider's table; Br. Adam, our Parlementarian, discussing matters of order with Br. Robert James.

But Chapter is also a time for continued formationn for our monks. The Rev. Masud Syedullah and the Rev. Chuck Kramer of Roots and Branches led us through several sessions of an anti-racism workshop. Of particular note was a session where six of our Brothers who had ministered to communities of BIPOC people in the US and abroad shared lessons and reflections from their experience.

Chapter visitors. From top left, clockwise: Br. Reginald and The Rev. Masud Syedullah greeting each other; The Rev. Chuck Kramer in conversation with Br. Robert Leo; The Rt. Rev. Andy Dietsche, Bishop Visitor of OHC and Bishop of the diocese of New York addressing Chapter (two pictures); The Rev. Masud Syedullah, preaching at the Sunday Eucharist (two pictures); panel of six OHC Brothers who have ministered to BIPOC communities around the US and abroad.

We didn't enjoy the outdoors quite as much as during previous June Chapters in West Park. There were a couple of dangerous outside air quality days in the beginning of the week. And the weather was unseasonably cool for a few more days. No matter, we had lots of social times to catch up with one another. Br. Aidan led a group of visiting brothers through our Guesthouse kitchen renovation project.

Around Chapter happenings. From top left, clockwise: the Order's Finance Committee meets the day before Chapter to review financial reports from everyone (Br. Aidan, OHC Bursar, Br. Robert Leo, Br. Bernard, Br. Adam, Br. Robert James); Bros. Leonard and Brian enjoying the view during a break; The Rev. Samuel Kennedy getting a monastically fashionable haircut from Br. Bernard; Bros. Roger (at the drum) and Josép drumming and singing a gradual hymn of Josép's composition (Br. Ephrem seated at the organ in the background); the project manager for the guesthouse kitchen renovation working under the refectory with a river view; Br. Aidan giving a tour of the kitchen renovation project to visiting brothers (two pictures).

At our Superior's suggestion last year, we are making plans for our next annual Chapter to take place at St Benedict's Priory in Hermanus, South Africa, in June 2024. It will be good for the majority of our Order to have a lived experience of our Holy Cross monastic life in an African context.